Dual tech operator Tata Teleservices (TTSL) has asked the Central Government to withhold grant of 3G spectrum until the issue regarding ban on import of Chinese telecom equipment virtually imposed by DoT is sorted out.

Tata Teleservices has said the telecom department is currently clearing only equipment imports from Western vendors. Large GSM-based telcos such as Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar and Idea Cellular mostly import gear from Western vendors.

“By virtue of permitting sourcing of equipment from particular vendors and not allowing others, it vitiates the principle of level playing field and thus means extending the advantage to a few of the successful 3G bidders to order their network upgrades,” said TTSL in a letter to the DoT Secretary.

Tata Teleservices has also demanded that the department of telecom (DoT) put all 3G airwaves allocation on hold until security-related issues are resolved.

“Equipment from Chinese vendors should be cleared where self-certification has been provided by operators. Only once the revised guidelines for security clearance of equipment are released, must 3G equipment ordering be allowed...” added TTSL.